A chronic illness involving the respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers.
Constriction of the airway passages.
Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways which renders them prone to narrow too much. The symptoms include paroxysmal coughing, wheezing, tightness and breathlessness. Asthma may be caused by an allergic response or may be induced by non-immunological mechanisms.
A chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterised by recurrent breathing problems usually triggered by allergens.
Spasm of the bronchi in the lungs, narrowing the airwaves.
Difficulty in breathing caused by spasm of the bronchial tubes or swelling of the mucous membranes of these tubes.
A lung condition characterised by narrowing of the bronchial tubes, in which the muscles go into spasm and the person has difficulty breathing.
Complex disease of the airways of the lungs. Involves an inflammation of the air passages and bronchial obstruction. The disease origin is unclear but seems to be associated with airborne allergens. It may also be due to an infection of the respiratory tract. Susceptibility to asthma may have some genetic links.
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and the leading cause for pediatric hospitalization and school absenteeism. An estimated 4.8 million children in the United States experience asthma attacks ranging from mild to severe, with the highest rate found among African Americans. Asthmatic symptoms are manifest in 80% of children by age 5. Despite new knowledge about the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma, the morbidity and mortality rates continue to climb. Mortality is often associated with the lack of proper diagnosis of asthma severity and lack of adequate treatment due to limited funds for access (Sanders, 1998).
A condition involving recurrent bouts of breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing; a kind of lung and breathing disorder that is closely related to allergy. In an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes become constricted from muscle spasms and swelling in the bronchial tissue, and mucus clogs the smaller tubes, so fresh oxygen-bearing air cannot enter. In severe cases, the person may turn pale or blue (cyanosis), especially around the lips and nails, have a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), break out in a cold sweat, and indicate general distress. Though not generally fatal, asthma each year kills hundreds, with hundreds more dying from asthma-related complications. Many of these are people who develop the disease as adults, for whom the attacks are most severe, but children are also at risk and in severe cases should receive prompt medical care.
A chronic disease of the respiratory system characterized by bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and formation of mucous plugs in the airway.
respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of difficulty in breathing, wheezing (especially on expiration), cough, and thick mucus production, caused by spasm or inflammation of the bronchi. Most attacks are precipitated by infection, strenuous exercise, stress, or exposure to an allergen (e.g., pollen, dust, food). Treatment involves the use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and elimination, if possible, of causative agents. Between attacks, respiratory function is normal.
Disease of the respiratory system characterized by increased airway irritability, narrowing and constriction of the air passages.
A condition that causes inflammation, excessive mucus secretion, and reversible constriction of the smooth muscle in the lung’s airway. Asthma can produce wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath; these symptoms may vary in severity. If a person’s air supply becomes seriously restricted, confusion and lethargy can occur, and the skin may turn blue. Emergency medical treatment is essential if these symptoms are present. An asthma attack may be triggered by a person’s sensitivity to certain substances, exercise, dusts, viral infections, smoke, cold air, stress, anxiety, and other conditions that produce inflammation of the airways.
A condition characterized by paroxysmal attacks of bronchospasm, causing difficulty in breathing. Bronchial asthma may be precipitated by exposure to one or more of a large range of stimuli, including allergens (including some drugs, such as aspirin), exertion, emotions, and infections. The first attacks can occur at any age but often begin in early life, when—in allergic people—they may be associated with other manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as eczema and hay fever. Powerful drugs, including corticosteroids, are now available to control asthmatic attacks, which may be very serious and prolonged. Avoidance of known allergens, and desensitization to them, may help to reduce the frequency of attacks. Cardiac asthma occurs in left ventricular heart failure and must be distinguished from bronchial asthma, for which the treatment is different.
A common disorder of breathing characterised by widespread narrowing of smaller airways within the lung. In the UK the prevalence among children in the 5-12 age group is around 10 per cent, with up to twice the number of boys affected as girls. Among adults, however, the sex incidence becomes about equal. The main symptom is shortness of breath. A major feature of asthma is the reversibility of the airway-narrowing and, consequently, of the breathlessness. This variability in the obstruction may occur spontaneously or in response to treatment.
A disease caused by increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to various stimuli, which results in episodic narrowing and inflammation of the airways.
A disorder that causes the airways that carry air into the lungs to become narrow and to become clogged with mucus.
A respiratory disorder that involves difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and coughing due to narrowed air passages.
A chronic condition that has acute phases in which the respiratory system becomes inflamed and bronchial airways constrict.
A respiratory disease characterized by wheezing or coughing which is caused by a spasm of the bronchial tubes or by swelling of their mucous membranes.
A medical condition characterized by inflammation and constriction of the air passages within the lungs.
Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by recurrent narrowing of the airways, known as bronchi, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. While asthma often begins in childhood, it can develop at any age. The prevalence of asthma has witnessed a significant increase in recent years, with approximately one in seven children affected by the condition. It is worth noting that about half of all cases of childhood asthma can be outgrown over time.
During an asthma attack, the smooth muscle in the airway walls undergoes contraction, resulting in their narrowing. Additionally, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swollen, leading to the production of excessive mucus that can obstruct the smaller airways. This combination of muscle constriction, inflammation, and mucus production contributes to the characteristic symptoms experienced during an asthma episode.
In certain individuals, the swelling and inflammation of the airways in asthma can be triggered by an allergic response. This particular form of asthma, known as allergic asthma, often manifests during childhood and can be associated with other allergic conditions such as eczema or hay fever. There is often a familial predisposition to developing these allergic conditions, indicating a genetic susceptibility.
Certain substances are known to act as triggers for allergic asthma attacks. These triggers include pollen, house-dust mites, mold, feathers, as well as the tiny scales and saliva from furry animals like cats and dogs. In rare cases, specific foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, and wheat can also provoke an allergic asthmatic reaction. Additionally, some individuals with asthma may be sensitive to aspirin, and its consumption can potentially trigger an asthma attack.
When asthma begins in adulthood, it often lacks identifiable allergic triggers. The initial asthma attack in such cases is occasionally triggered by factors like respiratory tract infections, stress, or anxiety. While allergic triggers may not be prominent, other non-allergic factors can contribute to the onset and exacerbation of asthma symptoms in adulthood.
In certain instances, consistent inhalation of substances present in the work environment can lead to the development of asthma in individuals who were previously healthy. This condition is referred to as occupational asthma and is among the few occupational lung diseases that are currently on the rise in terms of incidence. Occupational asthma highlights the significance of identifying and managing potential workplace hazards to protect the respiratory health of workers.
Currently, there are approximately 200 substances commonly encountered in the workplace that are recognized as potential triggers for asthma symptoms. These substances include glues, resins, latex, and certain chemicals, notably isocyanate chemicals used in spray painting. Diagnosing occupational asthma can be challenging since individuals may be regularly exposed to a specific trigger substance for an extended period, ranging from weeks to months or even years, before experiencing the onset of asthma symptoms. The delayed manifestation of symptoms underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing workplace hazards promptly to safeguard workers’ respiratory well-being.
Various factors can trigger asthma attacks in individuals, including exposure to cold air, engaging in physical exercise, exposure to smoke, and occasionally emotional factors such as stress and anxiety. While industrial pollution and exhaust emissions from motor vehicles are not typically causative factors for asthma, they can exacerbate symptoms in individuals already diagnosed with the condition. Furthermore, pollution in the atmosphere has the potential to trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. It is crucial to identify and manage these triggers to effectively control and mitigate the impact of asthma on individuals’ respiratory health.
Various factors can trigger asthma attacks in individuals, including exposure to cold air, engaging in physical exercise, exposure to smoke, and occasionally emotional factors such as stress and anxiety. While industrial pollution and exhaust emissions from motor vehicles are not typically causative factors for asthma, they can exacerbate symptoms in individuals already diagnosed with the condition. Furthermore, pollution in the atmosphere has the potential to trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. It is crucial to identify and manage these triggers to effectively control and mitigate the impact of asthma on individuals’ respiratory health.
Asthma episodes exhibit a wide range of intensity, spanning from mild shortness of breath to respiratory failure. The primary indications include wheezing, labored breathing, a dry cough, and a sensation of constriction in the chest. During a severe episode, the act of breathing becomes progressively challenging, leading to a diminished level of oxygen in the bloodstream. Consequently, this gives rise to cyanosis, characterized by a bluish hue on the face, especially noticeable on the lips. If left unattended, these attacks can result in fatality.
Regrettably, asthma remains incurable, yet significant prevention of attacks can be achieved by identifying and subsequently evading specific allergens.
The treatment regimen entails the utilization of inhaled bronchodilator medications, commonly referred to as relievers, which work by expanding the air passages, thereby alleviating symptoms. In cases of frequent or severe symptoms, inhaled corticosteroids are also prescribed. These medications, known as preventers, are employed on a continuous basis to mitigate attacks by reducing airway inflammation.
Additional pharmacological treatments encompass sodium cromoglicate and nedocromil sodium, both of which prove beneficial in preventing exercise-induced asthma. Combining a leukotriene receptor antagonist with a corticosteroid medication may facilitate a reduction in the required corticosteroid dosage. Theophylline or the inhaled anticholinergic drug ipratropium bromide may also be employed as bronchodilators. In the event that an asthma attack remains unresponsive to bronchodilator treatment, prompt evaluation and medical intervention in a hospital setting are imperative.
A sudden episode of extreme difficulty in breathing, accompanied by wheezing and a sensation of suffocation.